Get out!

Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning NewsA couple of panthers play in their fenced-in habitat at the Oatland Island Education Center. The new ramps to the viewing area were recently constructed courtesy of the Junior League of Savannah.

The great outdoors. You know, trees, grass, flowers ... That well-lit place you spot occasionally through your windows. Out where there's no T.V.

Soon enough our days will be hotter than molten lava in a convection oven. For now, though, spring still feels springlike. It's a splendid time of year to turn off the tube and tune into the wider world.

Here are some things to do

KAYAKING & CANOEING

You deserve a paddling

Thousands of Savannahians love the water - zipping along area rivers, through the marshes, and among the coastal islands in their motorboats.

Canoeists and kayakers prefer taking in coastal Georgia's watery world at a slower pace, under their own power. Here are a few of the numerous area paddling options:

Sometimes the Ogeechee River genially ambles along, sometimes it coils into testy little twists and turns. It can seem like a different river each time you head down it, forever offering new vistas.

The black waters of Ebenezer Creek (near the Ebenezer settlement in Effingham County) flow slowly into the Savannah River. Ebenezer's a great, safe place for beginners who simply want to get the "feel" of a canoe or kayak. And the sights - majestic cypress forests, stunning colors in the spring and fall - are unforgettable.

The Skidaway Narrows (off the Diamond Causeway) is a nice spot for short trips - a one- or two-hour paddle at the end of a frustrating workday. A trip in the late afternoon, as the day's heat subsides and the dying sun slants across the marshes, can be just the evening cocktail you need.

The barrier islands offer meandering tidal creeks, maritime forests, and gorgeous white beaches, otherwise inaccessible. Most of Wassaw Island is a national wildlife refuge open to the public during daylight hours; strolling along its miles of deserted beach can make you feel like Robinson Crusoe (or Gilligan).

A couple of hours away, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (on the Georgia-Florida border) is celebrated for its spectacular scenery. The water's been low lately, so some of the usual overnight excursions aren't available, but you can still take some spectacular day trips.

Ogeechee Outposts is at Morgan's Bridge (the intersection of Ga. 204 and the Ogeechee River, about 10-15 minutes west of Interstate 95). Connie Shreve leads trips down the river and will be conducting a canoe camp for children in late June and late July. Call 748-6716 or go to www.ogeecheeoutpost.com.

Sometimes the simplest pleasures are best. A walk on a balmy spring afternoon, for instance. Or a run. Or a bike ride.

This Saturday, you can get some exercise and help your furry friends in Richmond Hill at the Bryan Animal Caregivers' 2nd Annual See Spot Run/Walk 5K.

The event, which raises funds for the organization's Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program, will start at 10 a.m. at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill.

Besides the run/walk, other scheduled activities include face painting, a microchip clinic and pet photography. Dogs are welcome to participate in the run or the walk, but they must be on a leash and must have proof of current rabies vaccination.

Check in and race-day registration will be held from 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday. For information, call 912-727-2694 or www.bac.petfinder.com.

Since pre-history, humans have gazed at the stars, often in wonder, sometimes in fear.

The Oglethorpe Astronomical Association consists of area residents interested in astronomy and space science. Some of its members are relatively new to astronomy; others are actively involved in the science. The OAA's Web site, home.g-net.net/~oaa, contains meeting times, upcoming events, and links to what's going on in the skies, including free astronomy software, star charts, weather predictions, even a guide to spotting satellites as they pass overhead.

- Doug Wyatt

BIRD-WATCHING

Birders of a feather ...

Millions of Americans love to feed and watch birds. Coastal Georgia is home to a wide assortment of birds all year long, with backyard feeders across the region attracting such regular visitors as cardinals, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, finches, blue jays, and nuthatches. Other seasonal guests include, in the summer, neo-tropical migrants such as hummingbirds and painted buntings; and in the winter, ducks, sparrows, goldfinches, and waxwings come calling.

The Ogeechee Audubon Society, at www.savogeecheeaudubon.org, lists upcoming meetings and field trips, favorite local places to spot birds, and links to other area conservation groups.